Supermoon Across The World and The Essential Oils that Add to It’s Power

Please check out my new book REVELATION! – Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

Amazon USA      Amazon AU      Amazon UK


 

Supermoon Across The World and The Essential Oils that Add to It’s Power

The supermoon through the trees in my backyard in Sydney

The supermoon through the trees in my backyard in Sydney

Yep it’s been a supermoon frenzy all over the world with lots of amazing pictures of this gorgeous big round thing in the sky. The moon looks so beautiful and luminescent when it is close to the earth and it certainly has the power to get us talking about it. The perigree moon is the scientific name for the moon when it orbits close to the earth, and this full moon we have just experienced, is definitely the closest moon to the Earth this year. We are also in the middle of 3 supermoons in a row, with September being the next and last.

My friend Amanda took this last night in Positano, Italy

My friend Amanda took this pic last night in Positano, Italy

According to some scientific information, the supermoon plays on illusion, how our minds perceive the moon in the sky. One site says that even though we call it a supermoon, it is only about 14% closer that a regular full moon, but it appears much, much closer. Interesting eh? Is this telling us that our lives are an illusion and we must look deeper within to access the real reality? Or is it simply a reminder of the ebb and flow of the stars and the galaxies that we are intrinsically linked to?

My friend Frank took this is NYC the other night - Aquarius supermoon

My friend Frank took this is NYC the other night – Aquarius supermoon

 

In astrological terms this moon is in Aquarius, and I’ve also just read it’s an Aquarius/Leo full moon (as the sun is in Leo and provides the opposing force). As full moons are the culmination of the month, they can be seen as a time of releasing old patterns and energies, and with the supermoon it can be slightly magnified. Or perhaps it’s just an illusion that we are effected more strongly at this time? However you look at it, the supermoon is super gorgeous!

From Molly Hall from Astrology.About.com:

“This is a chance to rebel against deadening conformity, to break free — of ideas about reality, a habitual rhythm, deeply embedded conditioning. Epic ah-has happen at the Aquarius Full Moon, when we bust through our own (often self-imposed) glass ceiling and breathe the air.

 

The good vibes of Aquarius are best received with an open mind.  If it’s time for a radical upgrade in your thinking, there’s often a period of in-between. Aquarius has two rulers — Uranus and Saturn. One is the evolutionary urge, the other (Saturn) shows us how to ground the charge.

 

Being able to see that the way we organize and perceive reality itself, is up for tweaking, can be liberating. This one-two punch of Aquarius Full Moons celebrates out of the box thinking. If you’ve felt at a dead-end, and stagnant, get ready for unexpected plot twists!”

 

 

Beautiful green basil!

Beautiful green basil!

Ok so let’s find some essential oils to break free of our self-imposed limits –

Basil – open the upper chakras and connect to universal intelligence

Rosewood – open your heart and flow with the love energy all around you

Sandalwood – allow a deep connection to the divine to move your entire being to a new paradigm

 

Black pepper - pic via www.seriouseats.com

Black pepper – pic via http://www.seriouseats.com

and radically change our thinking –

Rosemary – stimulate your mind to take action

Petitgrain – the essence of pure potentiality will help you dream up a better way to think

Black Pepper – courage to change and progress

Juniper berries - pic via www.thedrinksbusiness.com

Juniper berries – pic via http://www.thedrinksbusiness.com

and move stagnating energy –

Juniper – release watery emotions

Fennel – dissolve the barriers to releasing – be willing to let go

Lemongrass – get your energy moving!

 

Using essential oils in everyday life will give you a beautifully scented landscape from which you can prosper, grow and help the world evolve.

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

copyright suzanne

10 Essential Oil Recipes to Help Meditation

Please check out my new book REVELATION! – Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

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10 Essential Oil Recipes to Help Meditation

 

Meditation creates positive ripples in your environment

Meditation creates positive ripples in your environment

Many people are still are still unsure of meditation, why we do it and how accessible it is. It is a term for a wide variety of styles and beliefs but the one common thread is that we meditate to connect with the universe within us, and all around us. This includes people in your life, when you have problems, when you don’t have problems, when you want to create something and simply just as a way of attuning to higher consciousness.

One of the biggest myths of meditation is that you can’t do it because your mind is too active. That’s WHY you do it.

Another myth is that it takes too much time. Have you heard the story of the student who says to the master he hasn’t got enough time to meditate for half an hour every day. The master considers the story and then tells him to meditate for an hour everyday. We MAKE time for meditation it’s as simple as that.

If you have access to the internet you can find out many ways of meditating. It could be an “open focus” style meditation where you close your eyes and open your mind to become no body, no thing at no time, in no place. You may learn a mantra meditation by going to a meditation group or you may sit with relaxing music and breathe deeply.

be happy

Be happier with meditation

The key to meditation is actually doing it. Sometimes your mind will be quite and sometimes it may not. Meditate anyway. Even if it’s for 5 minutes, just do it.

Positive results from meditation include –

* reduced stress leading to far-reaching health benefits

* a more relaxed body

* deeper, slower breathing in waking states

* reduced blood pressure

* healing of chronic disease

* objectivity

* better sleep

* better relationships

* better communication

and the list goes on. Here are some recipes to help induce slower breathing and meditation –

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Frankincense – deeper slower breathing

Lavender – general relaxation

Marjoram – stress relief and relaxation

Orange – sweetness and innocence

Sandalwood – connection to spirit

Patchouli – feel grounded

 

Puzhen diffuser from the 5 senses series - puzhen.com

Puzhen diffuser from the 5 senses series – puzhen.com

Scent Your Space

In a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser add 25 drops of oil

“World Peace”

World peace starts in your heart –

Mandarin     10 drops

Cypress        8 drops

Patchouli      7 drops

——————————————————————————————————————–

“Clarity’

May Chang     8 drops

Lavender         7 drops

Pine                5 drops

Basil                5 drops

——————————————————————————————————————–

“Double Torus”

Get the energy going

Frankincense     10 drops

Geranium             5 drops

Cardamom          5 drops

Rosewood           5 drops

——————————————————————————————————————–

“Fairy Garden”

Open to the magic –

Petitgrain                         8 drops

Lime                                7 drops

Cedarwood Himalayan    7 drops

Sage                               3 drops

——————————————————————————————————————–

The classic Duralex glass dish is handy to make oil blends and quick perfumes in

The classic Duralex glass dish is handy to make oil blends and quick perfumes in

 

3. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras – 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil – always patch test first!

“The Time is Now”

Meditate for 5 minutes NOW –

Geranium                   1 drop

Indian Sandalwood    1 drop

Lemon                       1 drop

——————————————————————————————————————–

“Mantra”

Just say ‘om’ as a simple mantra –

Cedarwood Virginian   1 drop

Neroli 3%                     3 drops  * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

——————————————————————————————————————–

“Heart Chakra”

Open the flow –

Rose 3%    on its own straight from the bottle * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

——————————————————————————————————————–

“Release Toxic Thought Patterns”

Juniper          2 drops

Peru Balsam  1 drop

——————————————————————————————————————–

 

A clay face mask is the best and most natural clarifyng mask. pic vis chiclooking.com

A clay face mask is the best and most natural clarifying mask. pic via chiclooking.com

4. Face Mask

Usually I add 1 or 2 drops of oil to 2 teaspoons of clay, and add water, floral water or hydrosol. Keep the mask on for 5 minutes then rinse off with cool water. Mist with a hydrosol or floral water and moisturise.

Bergamot    2 drops in white clay.

Relax and meditate for 5 minutes with some chilled music.

———————————————————————————————————————

Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas. See my article about intention.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Cure Mondayitis with Essential Oil Shower Steams

Please check out my new book REVELATION! – Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

Amazon USA      Amazon AU      Amazon UK


 

Cure Mondayitis with Essential Oil Shower Steams

 

An essential oil steam in the shower will do wonders for your mind and energy levels - pic via completehealthcircle.com

An essential oil steam in the shower will do wonders for your mind and energy levels – pic via completehealthcircle.com

Mondays keep rolling around.

They finally turn into Fridays. There’s the week gone.

Then suddenly it’s August 2014 and we are in the future!

We can choose to go against the flow of life, but that won’t get us anywhere or anyplace except stressed, and stress is one of the leading contributors to declines in mental and physical health.

I’m writing about Mondays as a return to work for most people on the treadmill of this game of life. But not me! I’ve never been a  9 to 5’er, or a Monday to Friday worker so I have a different view. Mondays represent chillin out to me and even if I work, it never feels like I’m working because do what I love. Sometimes Monday may mean writing a few blog articles and that’s about it. It does make Friday less of a celebration but I can live with that.

So for those having to get up at stupid o’clock on a Monday morning to start a long work week, this is for you.

Working 9 to 5 what a way to make a livin'

Working 9 to 5 what a way to make a livin’

There are some essential oils that can wake you up, others that can relieve stress and some that just make you feel a bit happier. The easiest way to treat yourself with essential oils on a Monday morning is with a few drops of essential oil in the bottom of the shower, Cover the drain with a face cloth or even your foot. Allow the oils to vapourise with the steam, breathe deeply, enjoy the scented stimulation of your senses.

Check out these oils and see what magic they can deliver –

Eucalyptus – wake up, cleanse the cobwebs in your mind, embrace the new day with gusto

Lemon – gently refresh and reload your energy onto the new page of a new week

According to living.msn.com this Pantone colour Lemon Zest was a top colour for spring 2013

According to living.msn.com this Pantone colour Lemon Zest was a top colour for spring 2013

Peppermint – enliven your mind, remove headaches and head tension

Rosemary – zap your memory into gear, stimulate your brain

Flowering rosemary in my client's garden

Flowering rosemary in my client’s garden

Basil – open the upper chakras to start channeling new universal patterns and downloads

Orange – inject a little bit of happiness into your Monday morning

Oranges and orange oil can make you happy!

Oranges and orange oil can make you happy!

Petitgrain – a zingy green start to the day allowing all possibilities to unfold

Lemongrass – energy now! revitalize

Lemongrass

Lemongrass

Ginger – warm your emotions, get the circulation going

Ylang Ylang – release anger and frustration

The spidery, seductive Ylang Ylang flower

The spidery, seductive Ylang Ylang flower

Bergamot – calm your nerves

Cedarwood Atlas – remove ego, come from a spiritual perspective

Sandalwood Indian – be Zen, peace and calm

Raw sandalwood and the powder

Raw sandalwood and the powder

 

And if all that’s too hard, eat an orange or mandarin and throw the zest into the bottom of the shower. Squish it up with your feet. Breathe. Continue with your day.

And during the day if you do have some citrus fruit, save the peel (and/or eat some of it too), and let the zest sit on your desk for some instant aromatherapy in the afternoon.

Happy Monday peeps!

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

10 Recipes with Himalayan Cedarwood – Cedrus deodora

Stunning pic of Himalayan cedarwood via www.efloras.org credit KK Shrestha

Stunning pic of Himalayan cedarwood via http://www.efloras.org credit KK Shrestha

Himalayan cedarwood has a deep history in Hindu traditions, as a tree that creates sacred forests, spurring a closer connection to Shiva through meditation. In Ayurveda the oil has been used to treat bronchial and lung disorders, urinary tract infections and to release fluid from the body. The oil is also considered a spiritual oil which helps to expand consciousness. In modern aromatherapy it is used for the same issues, and has a much softer, creamier scent than Atlas cedarwood or Virginian cedarwood (which is actually a juniper tree).

Let’s check out some recipes –

Face mask it!

Face mask it!

1. Face Mask

Usually I add 1 or 2 drops of oil to 2 teaspoons of clay, and add water, floral water or hydrosol. Keep the mask on for 5 minutes then rinse off with cool water. Mist with a hydrosol or floral water and moisturise.

Great for oily or acne skin add 1 drop of Himalayan cedarwood to some pink clay for a clarifying and toning mask.

—————————————————————————————————————–

Nourish your body with a beautiful oil blend - pic via redbookmag.com

Nourish your body with a beautiful oil blend – pic via redbookmag.com

2. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil. It’s always best to patch test first, before you apply all over.

***** Always put the drops of essential oil into the bottle or dish first, then add the carrier oil. It gives the scents time to create a synergistic fusion.

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“I’m the One and Only”

Respect yourself –

Himalayan cedarwood       2 drops

Orange                              4 drops

Lavender                            2 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

“Forest of Dreams”

Click into the vibes of the sacred Deodora forests –

Himalayan cedarwood       2 drops

Rosewood                         3 drops

Bergamot                          3 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

“Energy Now!”

Himalayan cedarwood       3 drops

Lemongrass                      4 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

A personal mist is easy to make! pic via ebay.com.au

A personal mist is easy to make! pic via ebay.com.au

3. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

In a 50ml mist bottle filled with water add 25 drops of oil

(depending on the packaging you have, you may need to use a little alcohol -like vodka- at the bottom of your bottle first, so the oils disperse into smaller drops to prevent clogging the atomiser top. I’ve found sometimes it works just with water, and sometimes it doesn’t – very annoying!)

“Portable Sacred Space”

Himalayan cedarwood       8 drops

Mandarin                         10 drops

May Chang                        4 drops

Sage                                  3 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

“Meditation Anywhere”

Himalayan cedarwood       6 drops

Frankincense                  12 drops

Lime                                 7 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

“Overthinking, 0: Feeling, 1”

Himalayan cedarwood       8 drops

Peru balsam                      8 drops

Ginger                               4 drops

Geranium                          4 drops

Vetiver                               1 drop

——————————————————————————————————————

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

4. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras – 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil – always patch test first!

“Thankful”

Himalayan cedarwood       1 drop

Lemon                               1 drop

Ylang Ylang                        1 drop

——————————————————————————————————————

Changing my Epi-Genetic Markers”

Himalayan cedarwood       1 drop

Jasmine 3%                       4 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

——————————————————————————————————————

“Inter Stellar Travel”

Himalayan cedarwood       1 drop

Roman Chamomile 3%      4 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

——————————————————————————————————————

Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas.See my article about intention.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

 

 

 

10 Recipes with Marjoram Essential Oil – Oreganum marjorana

Marjoram - pic via www.podgardening.co.nz

Marjoram – pic via http://www.podgardening.co.nz

Marjoram is an essential oil I use frequently with clients as it has a beautiful scent and some wonderful qualities. It hails from the Lamiacae family (along with many other herbs), the genus Oreganum and the species marjorana. It has a much more pleasant scent than oregano and therefore has more uses in aromatherapy.

In aromatherapy today marjoram is used for –

* aching and sore muscles

* general body pain and as a warming tonic

* to help someone deal with grief and as a sedative for distraught emotions

* to help with falling asleep

* to counteract stress and generally for calming and soothing

* to reduce coughing

Let’s try out 10 recipes –

An essential oil steam in the shower will do wonders for your mind and energy levels - pic via completehealthcircle.com

An essential oil steam in the shower will do wonders for your mind and energy levels – pic via completehealthcircle.com

1. Put A few Drops Of Oil into the bottom of the Shower

This works in a similar way to just taking a whiff straight from the bottle, but if you’ve got an extra minute, it will give you a completely different experience. Your whole body will be immersed in an essential oil steam. Just cover the drain with a cloth or your foot for a couple of minutes and breathe in the medicinal goodness.

Marjoram in the shower will help you unwind at the end of a very stressful day, or give you warming shower before bed on a cold night.

——————————————————————————————————————

 

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

2. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras – 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil – always patch test first!

 “Planning My Day”

Start out nice and calm –

Marjoram     1 drop

Bergamot    2 drops

—————————————————————————————————————–

“Kindness”

Marjoram    1 drop

Nutmeg       1 drop

Mandarin     1 drop

——————————————————————————————————————

“Warm Heart”

Marjoram    1 drop

Rose 3%     3 drops  * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

—————————————————————————————————————–

“Serenity Now”

Marjoram                    1 drop

Roman Chamomile     2 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

Lavender                     1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————–

Classic oil burner with a twist pic via top3.com.au

Classic oil burner with a twist – pic via top3.com.au

 

3. Scent Your Space

In a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser add 25 drops of oil

“HEAD.ACHE”

Please go away –

Marjoram     8 drops

Lavender      8 drops

Peppermint  5 drops

Orange        4 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

“Chill Out Sunday Sessions”

Marjoram       6 drops

Petitgrain      10 drops

Peru Balsam   6 drops

Patchouli        3 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

Rub oil into your body - it's good!

Rub oil into your body – it’s good!

4. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil. It’s always best to patch test first, before you apply all over.

***** Always put the drops of essential oil into the bottle or dish first, then add the carrier oil. It gives the scents time to create a synergistic fusion.

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Achey Breaky Body”

Marjoram     3 drops

Ginger         2 drops

Rosemary   2 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

“Pre Yoga”

Marjoram       3 drops

Lemongrass   3 drops

Black Pepper  1 drop

——————————————————————————————————————

“Apre Run”

Marjoram    3 drops

Rosewood  3 drops

Fennel         2 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas. See my article about intention.

copyright suzanne

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Recipes with Frankincense Essential Oil- Boswellia carterii

Frankincense resin in it's organic form is then distilled into an essential oil

Frankincense resin in its organic form is then distilled into an essential oil

Ah frankincense it’s a good oil! It’s an oil that helps you breathe deeply, relax and connect with your spirit. It’s an oil that can help skin looking and feeling younger. It’s an oil that’s been around for thousands of years. It’s an oil of truth.

Frankincense has a fine scent and I have written more about it previously with my article ‘Frankincense is the Scent of Truth’. It is from the family Burseraceae and the genus Boswellia.

Many years ago a friend of mine (he’s not around any longer, hi Peter!) was having a really bad asthma attack and was getting very anxious. He called me and I went to him immediately with a vapouriser and some Frankincense oil. I sat him down next to the stream of vapour and within 5 minutes he was better and after 20 minutes he could breathe normally. He also felt much more relaxed and I left the set up with him for a few weeks so he could access the treatment whenever he needed it.

Frankincense has many applications so let’s get into some recipes –

A clay face mask is the best and most natural clarifyng mask. pic vis chiclooking.com

A clay face mask is the best and most natural clarifying mask. pic via chiclooking.com

1. Face Mask

Usually add 1 or 2 drops of oil to some clay and add water, floral water or hydrosol. Keep the mask on for 5 minutes then rinse off with cool water. Mist with a hydrosol or floral water and moisturise.

I would use 2 drops of frankincense in pink clay to rejuvenate your skin, help tone oilier skin and to treat acne.

——————————————————————————————————————

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

2. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Do this with frankincense to help you relax and gather your energy. It will give you a chance to stop and catch you breath too.

——————————————————————————————————————

 

The classic Duralex glass dish is handy to make oil blends and quick perfumes in

The classic Duralex glass dish is handy to make oil blends and quick perfumes in

3. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras – 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil – always patch test first!

“Peace and Quiet”

Frankincense   2 drops

Lavender          1 drop

——————————————————————————————————————

“I’m Ready for the Day”

Take a deep breath and go!

Frankincense   1 drop

Neroli 3%        3 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

——————————————————————————————————————

“Sweet”

Life IS sweet –

Frankincense   2 drops

Peru balsam    1 drop

——————————————————————————————————————

“Now is the Best Time”

Do it now!

Frankincense      1 drop

Lemongrass       1 drop

Rose Geranium   1 drop

——————————————————————————————————————

Check this out - an oil burner made from a can - pic via www.instructables.com

Check this out – an oil burner made from a can – pic via http://www.instructables.com

4. Scent Your Space

In a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser add 25 drops of oil

“Sunday Night Settle Down”

You’ve got school in the morning!

Frankincense    10 drops

Orange               9 drops

Marjoram            6 drops

—————————————————————————————————————–

“Fresh Vibe”

A great blend for when you’ve finished cleaning the house –

Frankincense       10 drops

Lime                      6 drops

Cedarwood Atlas   5 drops

May Chang            4 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

Rub oil into your body - it's good!

Rub oil into your body – it’s good!

Nourishing Body Oil Blend

For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil. It’s always best to patch test first, before you apply all over.

***** Always put the drops of essential oil into the bottle or dish first, then add the carrier oil. It gives the scents time to create a synergistic fusion.

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Renew”

A blend to feel hydrated with a new outlook –

Frankincense  3 drops

Palmarosa    3 drops

Lavender        2 drops

—————————————————————————————————————–

“It’s All About Me Tonight”

Shower off the day and oil yourself –

Frankincense    2 drops

Ylang Ylang      2 drops

Mandarin          3 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas.See my article about intention.

copyright suzanne

 

10 Recipes with Lemon Essential Oil – Citrus limonum

According to living.msn.com this Pantone colour Lemon Zest was a top colour for spring 2013

According to living.msn.com this Pantone colour Lemon Zest was a top colour for spring 2013 – nice!

Lemons are lovely and so are you. Lemons represent happiness, simplicity and joy and the essential oil has an uncanny knack of doing the same. I love this oil and use it frequently when treating clients. Not only is it a great oil for muscle fatigue but it helps you to feel refreshed and cleansed, ready to go on with a new outlook.

Lemon essential oil is light and sparkly and has many applications. As the molecules of this essential oil are simple, it tends to fly away quickly when used in a vapouriser or burner so it’s important to anchor it with heavier oils. As a perfume or body oil blend it holds its own but has slight photo-toxic qualities – meaning if you go out into the sun you could burn more than you would without it. So just remember not to slather it all over you and sunbake – ok?

Lets check out some recipes with magnificent lemon oil –

Rub oil into your body - it's good!

Rub oil into your body – it’s good!

1. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil.

***** Always put the drops of essential oil into the bottle or dish first, then add the carrier oil. It gives the scents time to create a synergistic fusion.

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“End of the Week Relaxathon”

Get rid of the working week and into a relaxing weekend –

Lemon            4 drops

Peru Balsam   4 drops

—————————————————————————————————————–

“Anti-Puff”

Release puffiness and a feel a bit lighter –

Lemon      3 drops

Fennel      2 drops

Cypress   3 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

“Legs Up The Wall”

When your legs and feet hurt use this blend and then elevate your legs and rest –

Lemon         4 drops

Marjoram      2 drops

Peppermint   2 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

 

Face mask it!

Face mask it!

2. Face Mask

Usually add 1 or 2 drops of oil to some clay and add water, floral water or hydrosol.

2 drops of lemon oil will be great for acne skin, oily skin and if you just need to freshen up dull skin.

——————————————————————————————————————

Any bottle with an atomiser top will do!

Any bottle with an atomiser top will do!

3. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

In a 50ml mist bottle filled with water add 25 drops of oil

(depending on the packaging you have, you may need to use a little alcohol -like vodka- at the bottom of your bottle first, so the oils disperse into smaller drops to prevent clogging the atomiser top. I’ve found sometimes it works just with water, and sometimes it doesn’t – very annoying!)

“New Ideas”

Lemon        12 drops

Basil              5 drops

Palmarosa     5 drops

Geranium      3 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

“Lemon Bubble”

Create your own lemony bubble around you in a non-friendly environment –

Lemon          15 drops

Lavender         5 drops

Marjoram         5 drops

Vanilla CO2      3 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

“Vitality”

Keep your interest and energy levels up all day with a regular mist –

Lemon       10 drops

Juniper        8 drops

Mandarin     5 drops

Rosemary    2 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

4. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras – 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil – always patch test first!

“Daisy”

Stay fresh as –

Lemon                  2 drops

Cedarwood Atlas  1 drop

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“Truth”

Simplicity is the key –

Lemon            2 drops

Jasmine 3%   3 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

——————————————————————————————————————

Scent your space

Scent your space – the candle and flame will help transform negative energy too!

5. Scent Your Space

In a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser add 25 drops of oil –

“Party”

Lemon          14 drops

Ylang Ylang    6 drops

Lime               5 drops

 

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Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas.See my article about intention.

copyright suzanne

 

 

 

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil – Yeah!

Cananga odorata- pic via www.rareflora.com

A mass of Cananga odorata flowers on a branch – pic via http://www.rareflora.com

 

Many essential oils share similar qualities and properties, although they are all unique in their characteristics. Scent is the main way we distinguish essential oils from one another, and we know how varied the beautiful fragrances are!

Ylang Ylang – Cananga odorata is a beautiful oil used extensively in perfumery AND aromatherapy and hails from a beautiful and unusual looking flower. I love using Ylang Ylang anytime. It works well with orange oil and is great to counteract frustration and even anger. Soothing and calming to the nerves, it also works as an aphrodisiac with its deep, base scent.

The plant is grown in tropical climates and Salvatore Battaglia claims this wonderful, spidery looking flower is strewn on the wedding bed of newly married couples in Indonesia. How divine!

Wh!at a gorgeous flower

What a gorgeous flower

Some of its chemical constituents are:

* linalool (an alcohol) – also found in lavender and basil and has a warming effect

* B-caryophyllene (a sesquiterpene)- also found in cloves and could be considered balancing

* Benzyl benzoate (an ester) – also found in jasmine and can be seen as calming

Each chemical constituent within an essential oil gels with all the others to produce a general effect on the body. However, not all oils with esters will necessarily be calming oils, and this can be said for most active ingredients.

YinYang

YinYang

 

Energetically it is said by some to be a “yang” (masculine) oil, and has an absolutely stunning oil with a heady, sweet aroma. It seems to have many feminine uses but I also know many men who adore this oil.

In Aromatherapy today Ylang ylang is used :

* for calming nerves

* as an aphrodisiac

* for stimulating cell growth in scar tissue and for general skin care and hair care

* for treatment with people who have high blood pressure

* for symptoms of menopause and PMS

Unlike other oils, when essential oil of ylang ylang is produced it creates a few different levels of oil. When you buy from a wholesaler they will indicate what level you are buying but when you buy from a retailer you may not get this information.

“Extra” – the first part of the distillation which is the most finely scented of the oils. I always use this

1st Grade – the next best bit

2nd Grade – the next best bit

3rd Grade – the level of oil with the lesser quality of all.

My wholesaler also offers “Complete Ylang Ylang” which is a combination of Extra, !st and 2nd grades so could be seen as a more rounded oil. I still use Extra all the time.

No other oil (as far as I know) has such a distinctive production and collection process, and this is where I think some multilevel marketing essential oil companies get their marketing ideas from – claiming they have the highest therapeutic grade oils in the world. There is no doubt some grades of essential oils are better than others, and one of my suppliers has created their own list of grades  – Certified Organic – Conventional – down through a couple of levels to Commercial (which would be used for body products and some food flavourings). It’s all very interesting but have no doubt that raw ingredients, especially the oils of flowers (jasmine and rose) and sandalwood are becoming very expensive.

Heavily laden Ylang ylang tree with flowers - pic via blog.proxisante.com

Heavily laden Ylang ylang tree with flowers – pic via blog.proxisante.com

 

Stay tuned for my next article with recipes with this stunning oil!

copyright suzanne

 

 

 

The Divine Scent of Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

Anthemis nobilis - a classic illustation from Kohler's Medicial Pflanzen

Anthemis nobilis – a classic illustration from Kohler’s Medicinal Pflanzen

I have brushed over the chamomiles previously but would love to go into more detail about Roman chamomile. You can check out my previous blog Softly and Gently with the Chamomiles, but lets go into the world of this special, petit fluer in this article.

As with many plants this chamomile has a couple of botanical names – Anthemis nobilis or Chamaemelum nobile. Either way you can pick up that it is considered a nobile plant – distinguished by rank and manner. It is part of the Asteracae family (daisies) and the genus Chamaemelum. I’ve always loved daisies because they are so sweet, simple and pretty. This chamomile also has a very pretty scent and the essential oil is magnificent! For a small flower the scent is BIG!

This scent greatly differs from the other chamomile used in Aromatherapy – German chamomile – which is much darker in colour, darker and heavier in scent too. Our beautiful little “Roman” daisy will appeal to everyone from kids to the elderly, and even our pets.

Chamomile - sweet flower, sweet scent

Chamomile – sweet flower, sweet scent

It’s hard to tell the chamomiles apart as a flower but the German chamomile tends to have a more prominent pointed centre with leaves pointing downward, whereas the Roman chamomile flower is generally more balanced and larger, with a flat centre and daisy-like leaves. This is a generalisation and I’m sure the gardeners out there will have something to say about that!

In Aromatherapy today Roman chamomile is used;

* for stomach cramps as it is a great anti-spasmodic

* as a stomach calming oil in general

* as a calming oil in all respects – both physically and mentally

* as a soothing tonic to overwrought emotions

* as a calming oil for children

* for headaches

* for period pain

* for any kind of cramping whether it be in the body, the emotions, the mind or the energetic body

* in body oil blends and treatments for red, inflamed skin

Roman chamomile - pic via 3morganic.com

Roman chamomile – pic via 3morganic.com

I find it difficult to describe scent but I would say that this oil is sweet and intoxicating, with honey-like tones. This is a description from Wikipedia –

“The word chamomile, and the genus name Chamaemelum come from the Greek χαμαίμηλον (chamaimēlon), “earth-apple”, from χαμαί (chamai), “on the ground” + μήλον (mēlon), “apple”, so-called because of the apple-like scent of the plant. “

I suppose it has an apple-like scent but at least this gives you an idea and also indicates how long this plant has been around.

According to chamomile.co.uk/history.htm

“Chamomile was known to the Romans and used for incense and in beverages. Ironically, the name ‘Roman Chamomile’ by which it is sometimes known, does not stem from this time, but from a rather arbitary naming of the herb in the 19th century by a plant collector who happened to find some growing in the Colleseum in Rome!”

 

This site also refers to the use of chamomile in Egypt for treatment of fever but as we know it was various monasteries throughout Europe who consolidated the use of many herbs in the Middle Ages and who’s recipes still exist today in alcoholic beverages and perfumes.

Old medicine = good medicine!

Stay tuned for some recipes with this stunning essential oil which is more commonly retailed in a 3% blend in jojoba. This way we can use it straight from the bottle and it makes a wonderful perfume on it’s own. Fore more info on 3% blends check out my story here.

copyright suzanne

 

 

 

10 Recipes with Lavender Essential Oil – Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender - you can find it in many gardens around the world

Lavender – you can find it in many gardens around the world

Continuing on the lavender theme over the past couple of weeks I thought we may as well have a look at some recipes too. Sometimes people often underestimate the versatility of this magnificent oil, along with the common understanding that lavender is an old ladies’ oil!  Let’s debunk that by checking out some recipes.

Before we go ahead please have a look at these articles on lavender if you’d like some more info on this wonderful oil –

Lavender – Simple and Complicated All at the Same Time

Lavender is the “Little Black Dress” of the Oil Wardrobe  (more recipes here)

In Case of Indecision – Use Lavender  

I really do feel we could lavender oil for most cases. In Aromatherapy we learn that lavender would not be good for people with low blood pressure, so if that’s you, just don’t over use the oil by making body oils for yourself everyday.  Lavender is a relaxing oil, but remember too much of  good thing is exactly that – too much of a good thing!

For example when adding a drop of lavender to your pillow to go to sleep, don’t add 20 drops to help you get to sleep 20 times faster because it will probably work in the opposite way.

Ah lovely lavender

Ah lovely lavender

Use essential oils sparingly as you learn and then you will instinctively know how much, when and with what to mix them with.

Lavender is a herb of old being coined by the Romans using the latin word “lavare” meaning to wash. This makes perfect sense to me – wash away bacteria from cuts and wounds with lavander oil; wash lavender with clothes for a beautiful scent; wash away stress and tension, wash away pain.

My recipes will start with the best of all body moisturisers – the body oil!

1. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil.

***** Always put the drops of essential oil into the bottle or dish first, then add the carrier oil. It gives the scents time to create a synergistic fusion.

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Daily Do-Good”

A basic recipe for any day –

Lavender    3 drops

Geranium    2 drops

Orange       4 drops

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“Oh My Aching Legs”

After a long day rub this oil on your legs and elevate, and rest –

Lavender        3 drops

Marjoram        3 drops

Peppermint     2 drops

—————————————————————————————————————–

“I’m Nervous About Today”

Calm your nerves with lavender –

Lavender       3 drops

Neroli 3%     10 drops  * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

—————————————————————————————————————–

A clay face mask is the best and most natural clarifyng mask. pic vis chiclooking.com

A clay face mask is the best and most natural clarifyng mask. pic via chiclooking.com

2. Face Mask

Usually add 1 or 2 drops of oil to some clay and add water, floral water or hydrosol

Lavender  2 drops

Take the time to relax for 10 minutes then rinse off with warm or cool water and moisturise

——————————————————————————————————————

oil burner

oil burner

3. Scent Your Space

In a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser add 25 drops of oil

“Thank Goodness That Day is O-Vah!”

Lavender              9 drops

Rose Geranium    5 drops

Mandarin              6 drops

Lime                     5 drops

—————————————————————————————————————–

“Just Chillin”

When you have nothing much to do except potter around the house and maybe do a few little chores –

Lavender                      5 drops

Bergamot                   10 drops

Cedarwood Virginiana   5 drops

Petitgrain                      5 drops

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A personal mist is easy to make! pic via ebay.com.au

A personal mist is easy to make! pic via ebay.com.au

4. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

In a 50ml mist bottle filled with water add 25 drops of oil

(depending on the packaging you have, you may need to use a little alcohol -like vodka- at the bottom of your bottle first, so the oils disperse into smaller drops to prevent clogging the atomiser top. I’ve found sometimes it works just with water, and sometimes it doesn’t – very annoying!)

“Bottle o’ Courage”

Lavender        8 drops

Juniper           6 drops

Peru Balsam   8 drops

Cinnamon      3 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

“Afternoon Energetic Refresh”

A spritz in the afternoon can do wonders for your fatigue –

Lavender            6 drops

Lemongrass     10 drops

Pink grapefruit    9 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

Fields of lavender never cease to amaze me!

Fields of lavender never cease to amaze me!

5. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras – 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil – always patch test first!

“Next Thing”

When you’ve got lots to do –

Lavender                       1 drop

Sandalwood Australian  1 drop

Lemon                           1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————–

“Fortify”

Reveal your inner strength –

Lavender       1 drop

Cardamom    1 drop

Orange          1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————–

Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas.See my article about intention.

copyright suzanne